The long-awaited sequel to the 2005 cult classic Constantine may finally move forward. Director Francis Lawrence told Collider that the departure of James Gunn and Peter Safran from DC Studios has given him renewed hope for a project he has been trying to make for more than 20 years.
"We have an idea, we have a script, and we want to make the movie. The people who were at DC were an obstacle to getting it made," Lawrence explained. He emphasized that he takes no pleasure in the leadership changes but believes they could create a new opportunity. Keanu Reeves, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman and producer J. J. Abrams are reportedly still interested in making the sequel.
Lawrence also wants Constantine 2 to be significantly darker and more violent than the original film. This time, he hopes to fully embrace an R rating, which the first movie received despite efforts to make it more accessible. The director has also indicated that both he and Reeves would be willing to accept lower salaries to help keep the budget under control.
The situation is complicated by DC Studios' recent decision to bring in Francis Galluppi to develop another movie featuring John Constantine. However, Lawrence does not see this as a problem. He believes both versions of the character could coexist, much like the different cinematic interpretations of Batman.
The future of the sequel now rests with the new DC Studios leadership under Jeremy Latcham, who is scheduled to take over on December 1, 2026. Constantine 2 still has no confirmed filming start date or theatrical release date.
